It ain't easy... being a mom. There are days (like today) when I am cleaning the house and taking care of laundry wondering if I am ever going to get ahead. I have this week off and last week I couldn't wait for this week to come. Each day I added a chore to the mental list that I created weeks ago. Work on the basement, organize our closet, catch up on the laundry were some of the tasks that I wanted to check off my list. However, things aren't going as planned. I don't know why that surprises me though. With two kids, a husband and two dogs there really isn't much time left in the day to get everything checked off my list or even two things checked off my list. By the time everyone is fed and the house is somewhat put back together there doesn't seem to be much time for the extra stuff. And that drives me crazy.
So I have come to the conclusion that motherhood is quite possibly the hardest thing I will ever do. I love my boys and wouldn't want it any other way. But there are times when I wish I could clean an empty house, fold laundry in a quiet room and vacuum without running into our dog.
It ain't easy...
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Six months Later...
Six months ago John, Noah and I welcomed this little guy into our family.
Eli Benjamin has been a huge blessing in our family. Everyone warned me that having two kids so close in age was going to be really difficult. And I will admit that some days it is. Between juggling the house, my job and my boys it can get really hectic, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.
Noah is learning that Eli is here to stay and is starting to enjoy his little brother. Eli loves to watch Noah and laugh at him when he does silly things. There are the occasional moments when Noah pulls Eli's hair, but there are times too when he is so sweet with him. The other day while I was packing the boys up to go to school I looked over at Eli's car seat and spotted his bear. Noah loves to bring his bear to school and he thought Eli would like to bring his bear too so he placed it in his car seat. I love little moments like that.
Eli has made lots of progress since joining us on April 21st.
Eli's Timeline:
-at six weeks he gave me a smile
-started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks
-at eight weeks smiling became a routine thing
-four months he rolled over
-at four months I introduced applesauce and he loved it
-at sixth months he is trying so hard to get up on his knees.
-he loves to laugh and he smiles all of the time
-so far he loves peas and bananas
-he weighs 19 pounds!
We are really enjoying our family of four.
Eli Benjamin has been a huge blessing in our family. Everyone warned me that having two kids so close in age was going to be really difficult. And I will admit that some days it is. Between juggling the house, my job and my boys it can get really hectic, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.
Noah is learning that Eli is here to stay and is starting to enjoy his little brother. Eli loves to watch Noah and laugh at him when he does silly things. There are the occasional moments when Noah pulls Eli's hair, but there are times too when he is so sweet with him. The other day while I was packing the boys up to go to school I looked over at Eli's car seat and spotted his bear. Noah loves to bring his bear to school and he thought Eli would like to bring his bear too so he placed it in his car seat. I love little moments like that.
Eli has made lots of progress since joining us on April 21st.
Eli's Timeline:
-at six weeks he gave me a smile
-started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks
-at eight weeks smiling became a routine thing
-four months he rolled over
-at four months I introduced applesauce and he loved it
-at sixth months he is trying so hard to get up on his knees.
-he loves to laugh and he smiles all of the time
-so far he loves peas and bananas
-he weighs 19 pounds!
We are really enjoying our family of four.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Hollywood?
Today the Hickoks felt a little like Hollywood superstars. We had our very first family photo shoot this morning. Move over Brad and Angie. Our family pics would totally give the Pitts a run for their money. We met our photographer, Dan Cooper, at Yaddo Gardens and he spent 2 hours treating us like Hollywood's finest. Eli was really the superstar today and we decided to tag along and jump in the pictures with him. He was such a sweet baby and looked absolutely adorable in his little outfit.
I know I am biased when I say this, but I think Eli is absolutely precious. He just melts my heart. Everyone warned me that because Noah was a great baby that I would never get another one like him. I simply have to disagree because Eli has been such a blessing in our household. He is a sweet baby.
The photo shoot was a lot of fun and felt completely natural and right. I could totally get addicted to it. And did I mention that our photographer was amazing? Dan is creative and he was super patient with Noah. The setting was perfect. Yaddo Gardens is beautiful! I can't wait to see the pictures even if they don't make the latest issue of People or Us Weekly. I can honestly say that the Hickoks are ready for the paparazzi to come knocking on our door. Roll out the red carpet.
I know I am biased when I say this, but I think Eli is absolutely precious. He just melts my heart. Everyone warned me that because Noah was a great baby that I would never get another one like him. I simply have to disagree because Eli has been such a blessing in our household. He is a sweet baby.
The photo shoot was a lot of fun and felt completely natural and right. I could totally get addicted to it. And did I mention that our photographer was amazing? Dan is creative and he was super patient with Noah. The setting was perfect. Yaddo Gardens is beautiful! I can't wait to see the pictures even if they don't make the latest issue of People or Us Weekly. I can honestly say that the Hickoks are ready for the paparazzi to come knocking on our door. Roll out the red carpet.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Is It Really August?
It's August already! Where has the summer gone? I say that with complete astonishment as I do sadness. In just a few weeks I will be unlocking the door to my classroom and welcoming 23 students to fourth grade. It seems like yesterday was April 20th and I was pampering myself with a manicure and pedicure excited to meet Eli. That's when my summer vacation began.
Part of me is a little frustrated that I didn't conquer my list of "maternity leave do's." The basement isn't organized, there are a few cupboards that I didn't get to, and I have yet to lose those stubborn pounds that have become my unwanted frenemy. I guess there is a bright side to the unfinished list. I have enjoyed my time with Noah and Eli. We have attended play dates, lunch dates, shopped until we dropped and spent lots of time outdoors. Time does go by so fast though. And I am left to wonder if I will be able to be a successful mom as well as a teacher when September rolls in. Can I handle working all day and then come home and keep up with the house chores? I know it can be done, but I guess the bigger question is, do I want to do it? I am torn. Part of me looks forward to the daily interaction with adults and the highs of being with students; challenging them, laughing with them and setting goals with them. And part of me dreads the first morning when I have to hand Eli over to his daycare teacher. Noah looks forward to playing with children his own age and I really feel that the structure the daycare provides is wonderful for him.
So as we make our way into August I have a bundle of emotions that I am dealing with as I prepare to go back to work. I have enjoyed playing with my boys and spending time with John. Lunch dates, play dates and shopping sprees will have to be put on hold until next summer or at least until our first school vacation.
Part of me is a little frustrated that I didn't conquer my list of "maternity leave do's." The basement isn't organized, there are a few cupboards that I didn't get to, and I have yet to lose those stubborn pounds that have become my unwanted frenemy. I guess there is a bright side to the unfinished list. I have enjoyed my time with Noah and Eli. We have attended play dates, lunch dates, shopped until we dropped and spent lots of time outdoors. Time does go by so fast though. And I am left to wonder if I will be able to be a successful mom as well as a teacher when September rolls in. Can I handle working all day and then come home and keep up with the house chores? I know it can be done, but I guess the bigger question is, do I want to do it? I am torn. Part of me looks forward to the daily interaction with adults and the highs of being with students; challenging them, laughing with them and setting goals with them. And part of me dreads the first morning when I have to hand Eli over to his daycare teacher. Noah looks forward to playing with children his own age and I really feel that the structure the daycare provides is wonderful for him.
So as we make our way into August I have a bundle of emotions that I am dealing with as I prepare to go back to work. I have enjoyed playing with my boys and spending time with John. Lunch dates, play dates and shopping sprees will have to be put on hold until next summer or at least until our first school vacation.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lazy Blogger!
I guess the title says it all! I have been a lazy blogger. I think I can blame it on Facebook though. It is so much easier to update my status and include pictures of the kids. And I just assume that people enjoy Facebook more so than blogs.
This summer seems to be drifting by quickly. These days I find myself chasing after Noah, changing diapers and cleaning the house. Did I mention that I feel like the house never stays clean? I don't imagine it would when you live with two of the hairiest dogs on the planet. Besides the cleaning and laundry we have managed to squeeze in time for the pool. Noah is not a huge fan of the water. He is content playing in the dirt and using the water table. He loves to be outside. He is chatting quite a bit too. We still aren't exactly sure what he is saying but he does a lot of babbling. This summer he had tubes placed in his ears so we are hopeful that he will have less ear infections. He is getting really good at calling for the dogs. He says Toby's name very clearly. She really doesn't pay too much attention to him but Finnegan loves Noah. Most mornings I find them chasing one another through the house. Finn is so patient with Noah.
Eli is doing wonderful. He is a great baby. I was a little nervous at the thought of having two children under the age of two but I can honestly say that it's not so bad. We manage to run our errands and still enjoy the same outings that I did with just one child. There are things that make it easier, one being the awesome double stroller I have. It's a lifesaver!
Eli is on a great schedule which includes him sleeping through the night. He is doing a lot of smiling and cooing. We are hoping that he holds on to his blue eyes. He is just precious, see for yourself.
This summer seems to be drifting by quickly. These days I find myself chasing after Noah, changing diapers and cleaning the house. Did I mention that I feel like the house never stays clean? I don't imagine it would when you live with two of the hairiest dogs on the planet. Besides the cleaning and laundry we have managed to squeeze in time for the pool. Noah is not a huge fan of the water. He is content playing in the dirt and using the water table. He loves to be outside. He is chatting quite a bit too. We still aren't exactly sure what he is saying but he does a lot of babbling. This summer he had tubes placed in his ears so we are hopeful that he will have less ear infections. He is getting really good at calling for the dogs. He says Toby's name very clearly. She really doesn't pay too much attention to him but Finnegan loves Noah. Most mornings I find them chasing one another through the house. Finn is so patient with Noah.
Eli is doing wonderful. He is a great baby. I was a little nervous at the thought of having two children under the age of two but I can honestly say that it's not so bad. We manage to run our errands and still enjoy the same outings that I did with just one child. There are things that make it easier, one being the awesome double stroller I have. It's a lifesaver!
Eli is on a great schedule which includes him sleeping through the night. He is doing a lot of smiling and cooing. We are hoping that he holds on to his blue eyes. He is just precious, see for yourself.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Dare I say it?
Dare I say it? I am afraid that if I say it then it won't happen again. Our newest addition has been giving his parents one of the greatest gifts that a newborn could give. He has been sleeping through the night. There I said it! Now let's hope that this continues.
Eli did his first "all nighter" (sleeping through the night) when he was 4 weeks week old. I was in my glory when I woke the next morning at 6:00 to find my sleeping beauty snoring away in his bassinet. If you're a parent you find yourself wishing, hoping and praying that your newborn will sleep through the night. And for all you moms that have never felt that way well, God bless you because you must be super mom. I happen to love to sleep. I treasure afternoon naps and get ridiculously excited when I get eight or more hours a sleep at night. Obviously I have had to put that on the back burner for awhile. It feels like it has been a long time since I have had a date with my pillow. But there is hope and I know I have hope that my eight hour nights will return.
Now that Eli is 6 weeks old I think it's time that he start learning about habits and I think that sleeping is one that he will enjoy. I have had many conversations with him about how wonderful sleeping is. I told him that although eating is great; sleeping through the night is way better. I think he is starting to see that.
So as I sit hear writing this Eli is sleeping soundly in his little baby recliner. We have one more feeding to go and then it's off to the bassinet for bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Let's just hope that Mr. Eli decides that sleeping is as wonderful as his mother says it is.
Eli did his first "all nighter" (sleeping through the night) when he was 4 weeks week old. I was in my glory when I woke the next morning at 6:00 to find my sleeping beauty snoring away in his bassinet. If you're a parent you find yourself wishing, hoping and praying that your newborn will sleep through the night. And for all you moms that have never felt that way well, God bless you because you must be super mom. I happen to love to sleep. I treasure afternoon naps and get ridiculously excited when I get eight or more hours a sleep at night. Obviously I have had to put that on the back burner for awhile. It feels like it has been a long time since I have had a date with my pillow. But there is hope and I know I have hope that my eight hour nights will return.
Now that Eli is 6 weeks old I think it's time that he start learning about habits and I think that sleeping is one that he will enjoy. I have had many conversations with him about how wonderful sleeping is. I told him that although eating is great; sleeping through the night is way better. I think he is starting to see that.
So as I sit hear writing this Eli is sleeping soundly in his little baby recliner. We have one more feeding to go and then it's off to the bassinet for bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Let's just hope that Mr. Eli decides that sleeping is as wonderful as his mother says it is.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)